Terri Westgate: Norwich City still looking for inspiration

A moment of magic from Jonny Rowe and an opposition flattening performance from Angus helped get us all three points, despite a wobble late on.

It’s the latest turnaround in a topsy-turvy season where we have gone from one win in 10 games, to one defeat in eight, and now our first win for five games. In amongst those runs there were a few draws, some hard fought and others very disappointing. We have been consistently inconsistent.

This division is often cited as the most entertaining to watch, as any team can beat anyone on their day, and success is not just about how much money you spend - as demonstrated by Luton last year. Norwich are currently sitting just two points off the play-offs, with everything to play for.

Yet the mood amongst supporters is still divided.

The latest win has eased tensions, though many still expressed disapproval at the manner of the victory and the style of play with which it was achieved.

There is debate about how the squad needs to be strengthened if we are to make a serious challenge for promotion, but Norwich are often cautious in the transfer window. With limited funds to spend, any negotiations are taking place away from the social media glare.

This time of year isn’t just about players coming and going, but also the fast approaching season ticket renewal period.

It’s no coincidence that we’ve just had the anniversary of Wagner’s appointment; the decision to part company with Dean Smith and bring in a coach with the promise of high press football, was made to get the fans back on side. Attacking football was initially delivered, before momentum faded and the season drifted to a mid-table finish.

In the lead up to that change there had been many empty seats visible at home games, as season tickets holders decided to stay away. And now that time has come round again, and once more attendance in the stands seems to be dwindling. Support on the road is still robust though, with an impressive crowd making the Friday night trip to Humberside.

Although some may be considering whether to renew, there are many like me who will be back next season, no matter where we finish in the table, and with whatever style of play is on the pitch. I have experienced the highs of European football and the lows of relegation to League One. I have admired the beauty of Farkeball and been bored silly by dull nil-nils, and frustrated by incompetent defeats. Those matches are all part of my experience of a being a football fan, and whatever the result I still find escapism in that 90-plus minutes at Carrow Road.

The elephant in the room is what actual success would bring, if we managed to achieve it. Personally, I am completely disengaged with top-flight football these days, with the bloated wages, dubious owners and over-hyped media coverage. You can win promotion in a blaze of glory, only to be brought crashing down to earth by a team assembled from the wealth of a despotic state.

This is the limbo Norwich City is stuck in. Wanting to be successful and get promoted, but knowing we’ll struggle to compete if we go up. And the squad also seem to be caught between a desire to play attacking football and being pragmatic with the players we have available. We’re picking up enough points to be kept in the chase, but not convincing enough to be considered a serious threat.

The Canaries are still struggling with the identity crisis we’ve had since the sacking of Farke, and a year of Wagner has brought us no closer to a resolution. It feels like we’re just treading water and waiting for inspiration to come, and in danger of another mid table finish.